Camanava launches health programs to prevent spread of waterborne diseases

Local government units (LGUs) in Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) have beefed up their respective health programs to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and to create a healthy and student-friendly environment during the opening of classes next month.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri has directed the local Environmental Sanitation Service (ESS) to continue clearing debris and stagnant water that could serve as breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Echiverri also ordered the City Health Department to conduct an education campaign on how to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly dengue.

The mayor has been urging residents and school officials to do their share in combating the spread of illnesses that often arise during rainy days by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

Meanwhile, Malabon City Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta has been personally supervising the local government’s health drive through his weekly Bisita sa Barangay project.

Oreta, accompanied by city health employees, engineering department personnel, and other concerned departments heads, has been bringing basic services to the residents, especially in underdeveloped villages.

The mayor’s office is also coordinating with public and private school officials to find out possible problems that may affect the opening of classes in the city.

In Navotas, Mayor Toby Tiangco revived the municipal government’s Rainy-Day Health program that also focuses on the drive against dengue.

In Valenzuela City, Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian led the launching of the VC Cares project last Friday that aims to provide better delivery of services to its residents.

"We came up with this program to provide better delivery of health and social welfare services to every Valenzuelano, most especially those at the lower end of the economic strata," Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the program seeks to improve assistance for the indigents, provide comprehensive care and protection for children, better welfare programs for the disabled and senior citizens, and improved assistance for abused women. — With Kris Rodette Belanizo, Michelle Ann Babagay